STAMPED LINEN, APRON, CHILD

Calico aprons with stamped designs for hand embroidery, were popular in Australia in early 20th century.

The Great War 1914-1918 followed by the Great Depression, resulted in a shortage or fabrics and threads, calico aprons with stamped designs came to the fore for women and children. Designs of cottage gardens, Dolly Varden/Sun Bonnet Sue, crinoline lady and nursery rhymes were extremely popular in late 1920s to 1930s.

This child’s apron labelled #1078.18/24 features a wolf hiding behind a house of straw with a little pig playing a lute along with the words, “Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?” and has not been stitched.

The Great War 1914-1918 followed by the Great Depression, produced many changes in the lifestyles of women. With a shortage or fabrics and threads, calico aprons came to the fore.

In the 1930s, Semco, Melv, and Gautleys sold aprons on a 25 inch x 36 inch wide unbleached calico, ready to cut out, make up and embroider. Others were made up with design stamped ready to embroider. Mass-produced patterns became readily available and cheap pattern books such as Enid Gilchrist, covered aprons for every occasion.

Designs of cottage gardens, butterflies and swallows, also Dolly Varden / Sun Bonnet Sue / Crinoline lady and nursery rhymes were extremely popular.

During WWII social customs changed again. Resources were scarce. Calico aprons, at small financial outlay, cheered up women who longed for a little creativity and beauty. They became more than a mere accessory to prevent soiling of clothes. They enabled her to show her proficiency with the needle; may have served to hide any mend, tears or shortcomings of the dress due to scarcity of resources.